Matt Weston claims gold for Team GB at Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Matt Weston secured Britain’s first gold medal of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with a commanding performance in the skeleton event on Friday night, reports BritPanorama.
Weston finished the competition with a lead of 0.88 seconds, showcasing his dominance throughout the event. His victory came after he had established a 0.30-second lead following the opening day, clocking times of 56.21 and 55.88 seconds across his initial runs. In the final descents, he displayed flawless technique, ultimately ending 0.39 seconds ahead of Germany’s Axel Jungk, who took silver, while reigning champion Christopher Grotheer, also from Germany, settled for bronze.
The achievement marked a significant milestone for Weston, who entered the Olympics on the back of an extraordinary season, already holding World Cup, World Championship, and European titles. His fiancé, Alex Howard-Jones, shared in the jubilation at the trackside, having been visibly anxious during the run but swept up in the euphoria as he crossed the finish line.
Weston’s family celebrated with him on-site, underscoring the personal significance of this victory. “I knew he’d be very close, at least second. Absolutely proud of him,” said his father Tom, reflecting the pride and excitement permeating the atmosphere. Footage captured the family’s emotions transitioning from tension to elation as Weston secured his historic gold medal.
Despite being at the heart of the celebrations, the build-up to the competition had not been without its hurdles. A pre-Olympic dispute regarding the legality of the British team’s helmets prompted Weston and teammate Marcus Wyatt to revert to their previous headgear, with which they had enjoyed a successful World Cup campaign.
In this historic moment for British skeleton, Weston’s gold underscores not only his personal achievements but also the potential for Team GB on the global stage. Just as sport often converges with personal stories, this triumph becomes part of a larger narrative about the resilience and dedication of athletes.
